What does Revelation 11:7 mean?

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:7

Explanation

Revelation 11:7 speaks about the fate of two witnesses who prophesy for a specific period (“a thousand two hundred and threescore days,” as stated earlier in Revelation 11:3). The verse depicts a beast emerging from the “bottomless pit” to wage war against these witnesses, ultimately defeating and killing them. This imagery is rich in metaphoric and apocalyptic symbolism, common to the book of Revelation. The verse suggests a cosmic conflict between the powers of evil, represented by the beast, and the forces of good, embodied by the witnesses who testify to the truth. The deep meaning alludes to the struggle between God’s kingdom and the forces that oppose it throughout history.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D. by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The historical context of this period involved significant persecution of Christians under Roman rule. This atmosphere of oppression, combined with the apocalyptic literature style popular among Jews and early Christians of that era, shaped the symbolic and metaphoric language that is featured throughout Revelation. The imagery of beasts and monsters was often used to represent oppressive empires or evil forces of the time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the “beast” has been interpreted in various ways by scholars and theologians. Some see it as a symbol of specific historical empires or governments (such as Rome) that persecuted the faithful. Others view the beast as representative of anti-Christian forces or the Antichrist. The concept of witnesses being killed and later resurrected (as indicated in subsequent verses) echoes the death and resurrection of Christ, reinforcing themes of sacrifice, witness, and redemption that are central to Christian theology.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Revelation 11:7 can serve as a reminder of the potential cost of discipleship and faithfulness. The struggle of the witnesses against the beast can be seen as a call to resilience and courage in the face of opposition for contemporary believers. The passage emphasizes the transient nature of earthly persecution in contrast to the ultimate triumph of good over evil, encouraging steadfastness in one’s convictions and actions.

Cross-References

• Revelation 13:1 – And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
• Revelation 13:7 – And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
• Revelation 17:8 – The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Language Study

• “Testimony” (Greek: “martyrian”) often refers to the act of bearing witness in a legal or moral sense, which is appropriate for the prophetic role of the witnesses.
• “Beast” (Greek: “thērion”) typically represents a dangerous animal, and in this apocalyptic context, it signifies a formidable and malevolent force.
• “Bottomless pit” (Greek: “abyssos”) implies a deep, immeasurable, and often dark and chaotic place, which is associated with the realm of the dead or demonic.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a beast emerging from the depths to challenge the forces of good is not unique to Christian apocalyptic literature and can be found in various ancient myths and religions. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, the god Marduk battles the chaos monster Tiamat. This motif of cosmic struggle between order and chaos is a recurring theme in many cultures and can be seen as a reflection of the human experience at a metaphorical level.

Scientific Perspectives

The language and symbolism in Revelation 11:7 align with apocalyptic literature rather than scientific discourse. The “bottomless pit” and the emergence of a “beast” are metaphorical and do not correspond to observable physical phenomena. But they do resonate with archetypal images of fear and darkness that are understood across cultures. Scientifically, interpretations involving psychology could explore how these symbols relate to the human psyche, the embodiment of personal or collective societal anxieties, and the struggle between constructive and destructive impulses.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Revelation 11:7 vary widely due to the complex and symbolic nature of apocalyptic literature. Some conservative commentators interpret the beast literally as a future world leader or system that opposes God. Liberal scholars often see the beast allegorically, relating it to the Roman Empire or political powers throughout history that have oppressed people. Many agree that the passage emphasizes the transient success of evil against God’s witnesses, pointing to a deeper truth about the eventual victory of divine justice.